Romania
Romania Tailormade Tour- The Land of Contrasts – an 8 day Tailormade Tour from £1995 per person based on 2 people travelling sharing a room.
Since the 1989 revolution that saw the collapse of the Ceausescu regime, Romania has maintained a low profile in tourism terms.
Its capital is still confused with Hungary’s, and save for Castle Bran’s Dracula associations, few of its sights make it onto European must-see lists.
Therefore, the grandeur of Bucharest’s wide boulevards and its diverse wealth of architecture often come as a surprise to visitors, particularly those expecting a crumbling wasteland of utilitarian communist concrete.
Beyond the capital, mediaeval monastic cultural and historical sights reflect the richness of Romanian history.
Romania is one of the most exciting parts of Europe, tucked away in a remote corner where few visit and fewer still have much knowledge of. Blessed with large swathes of virtually untouched countryside, much of Romania follows a way of life that has been extinguished elsewhere in Europe, and the centuries old folklore and traditions still thrive in its picturesque villages.
The countryside’s remarkable biodiversity is also a revelation. On farms few pesticides and chemical fertilisers have ever been employed, effectively ‘organic’ agricultural practices maintaining wild flora and fauna lost to agrobusiness in other parts of Europe. Further afield, in the Carpathian Mountains wildlife has found a refuge from human habitat encroachment. Romania may remain a ‘forgotten’ part of Europe, but among its landscapes the value of its inheritance is now being realised.
Our Romania tailormade tour visits important cultural gems such as the medieval towns of Sighisoara and Sibiu in Transylvania, but also spends time getting to grips with life in the villages, often staying in rural communities as guests of local families, where local culture is at its strongest. We traverse the spectacular Carpathian Mountains, home to an array of biodiversity including bears and wolves.
Taking in the gorgeous painted monasteries of Bucovina and the Saxon village of Viscri, this trip encompasses the very best that Romania has to offer. But Romania cannot simply be experienced by ticking off its sites – it is the genuine cultural encounters that we have with local people that make this tour so very special, and will leave you with enduring memories of this truly enchanting country.
- Fitness
- Off the beaten track
- Culture
- History
- Wildlife
Tour Pace
Busy
Tour style
Traveller
Relaxed Pace
Relaxed tours are easy paced with plenty of leisure time built in. The tour will in all probability still be off the beaten track, with the occasional early start and there may still be occasional long drives. In general on a relaxed paced tour you can enjoy easy-going activities and experiences with opportunities to absorb the sights and immerse yourself in the local surroundings.
Moderate Pace
Moderate pace tours are ideal if you want a tour experience that combines activities and experiences with some time to relax. Typically you will be active and busy for part of the day but then also have time to rest and recharge your batteries. In general on a moderate paced tour there may be some long journeys involved but the tour is not an expedition or a road trip. On a moderate paced tour it will be necessary to have some early starts.
Busy Pace
A busy paced tour means that you can expect to be doing, seeing or experiencing something new almost every day, and moving on from place to place to pack in as much as possible. There may be early starts, long journeys and tiring days along the way, but you’ll return home feeling you’ve really experienced as much as you possibly could.
Pioneer Class Tours
On our Pioneer tours, you will be amongst an elite group of intrepid travellers and some of the first to explore a country that few have been privileged enough to discover. Of course, exploring such areas of the world will come with its challenges; it may mean several nights camping, long journeys by 4WD and the need to maintain a degree of flexibility for when carefully laid plans change. These are challenging tours in countries and areas that may have poor infrastructure, high levels of poverty and illiteracy. This can translate in to low standards in hotels, bad roads and poor driving standards among other issues. We try and smooth out as much of these issues as we can but you should be prepared to experience the bad with the good.
Traveller Class Tours
Our Traveller itineraries are at the core of our programme. These journeys are designed for travellers who still want to discover a land away from the tourist crowds but expect minimum standards. Accommodation will be primarily hotel based, although you could still find yourself camping, or the guest of a local family. Depending on the destination and itinerary, you’ll likely be travelling in a private vehicle, with occasional use of public transport. This is adventure travel with some of the rough edges smoothed out.
Itinerary.
Day 1 - Arrival in Bucharest
Begin your Romania tailormade tour when you arrive in Bucharest and transfer to your hotel. Depending on when you arrive, you may have a chance to start exploring the city on your own. Overnight Capitol Hotel or similar. No meals nor guided arrangements included today.
Day 2 - Bucharest – Bran - Brasov
(Approx. driving time is 4 hours today)
We start the day with a city tour of Bucharest. After lunch (optional – not included) we leave Bucharest via the Prahova Valley and travel into fabled Transylvania and Bran village, home to Castle Bran, linked to the legend of Dracula. There’s plenty of time to tour the beautifully restored 14th Century castle and discover its colourful history. Afterwards we continue to the important city of Brasov, fringed by the peaks of the Southern Carpathian Mountains. Overnight Bella Muzica Hotel or similar. (B)
Day 3 - Brasov - Viscri
(Approx. driving time is 1.5-2 hours today)
This morning we explore the important sites of Brasov on a city tour. From Brasov we drive to the Saxon village of Viscri, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. On the way we stop to see the 13th century fortified Lutheran church of Prejmer, also UNESCO designated. We spend the day exploring the village and rural surrounds and learning about traditional local life. Later we take a horse and cart ride through the countryside. Along the way we’ll meet local craftsmen and gain an insight into age old customs that still hold sway here. Overnight you will be staying with local hosts and enjoy traditional cuisine with homemade brandy and wine. (BLD)
Day 4 - Viscri - Sighisoara and Sucevita
(Approx. driving time is 7 hours today)
Today your Romania tailormade tour takes you to Sighisoara, known for its beautiful mediaeval UNESCO listed citadel. We explore the fortress and visit the birthplace of bloodthirsty local boy, Vlad the Impaler. Our route takes us then via the impressive Bicaz Gorges with breath-taking vertiginous limestone walls, reaching up to 350m. We then enter the region of Bucovina, located on the northern slopes of the central Eastern Carpathians. At the village of Sucevita we enjoy a traditional dinner prepared by our local hosts accompanied with local brandy and wine. Overnight traditional guesthouse. (BD)
Day 5 - Painted Monasteries of Bucovina (UNESCO) – Cluj
(Approx. driving time is 5 hours today)
After breakfast we set off to visit the region’s UNESCO World Heritage ‘Painted Monasteries’. At Moldovita Monastery we explore a masterpiece of Moldavian Gothic architecture, adorned with lively exterior frescoes dating from the beginning of the 16th century. Nearby we visit an egg painting workshop, a traditional local art form, where we are shown the special techniques required in this extremely delicate operation. Afterwards we visit Sucevita Monastery, the largest of the ‘Painted Monasteries’, before driving to Voronet Monastery, known as ‘the Sistine Chapel of the East’ where exterior frescoes date from the 15th century. We then continue our route crossing the Carpathian Mountains on spectacularly scenic route over the Tihuta Pass and onward to Cluj. Overnight in a centrally located comfortable hotel. (B)
Day 6 – Cluj - Turda - Alba Iulia and Sibiu
(Approx. driving time is 4.5 hours today)
This morning enjoy a city tour of Cluj, the former capital of Transylvania. Continue to the remarkable salt mine of Salina Turda. Dating from the 17th century the mine is now a fascinating underground entertainment complex, described by some as ‘the coolest underground place in the world’. We drive onward to Alba-Iulia, a city of high importance, where after WWI the Romanian Principalities and Transylvania agreed to unite and create modern Romania. The city is also home of the best-preserved Vauban fortress in Europe. Designed by an Italian architect in the early 18th century and modelled on a seven-pointed star with arrow-shaped bastions, the fortress is noted for its baroque decorative elements and the beauty of its six gates. By the end of the day we reach Sibiu, the European Capital of Culture of 2007. Overnight in a centrally located comfortable hotel. (B)
Day 7 – Sibiu – Bucharest
(Approx. driving time is 4.5 hours today)
This morning we explore the colourful town of Sibiu, both the old and new quarters. The oldest parts of the city date back to the 12th century. This afternoon we will transfer back to Bucharest via the picturesque Olt Valley where you can stop to stretch your legs and imbibe the wonderful scenery. Arrive back in Bucharest for the evening and our local team will be happy to make a recommendation for dinner. Overnight in a comfortable centrally located hotel, Capitol Hotel or similar. (B)
Day 8 - Bucharest - Departure from Romania
Transfer to the airport at the appropriate time for your onward travel arrangements either to the airport or the train station. End of services. (B)
We offer this Romania Tailormade Tour for private departures only.
Prices start from £1995 per person, based on 2 people travelling and sharing a room.
Departure dates on request.
We can also tailor a similar or totally different itinerary to meet your requirements. Please contact us to discuss your travel plans.
Tour Notes
Single Supplement
Single Supplement for this Romania tailormade tour starts from £415 – Please note that there may be communal bathrooms in village houses.
Flights
Return direct flights from London to Bucharest start at £180. Contact us for a quotation.
Transfers
Airport transfers are included in the price of the tour.
Extra Accommodation
Extra night accommodation pre and/or post tour in Bucharest costs from £41 per person, per night sharing a twin/double room and £74 per person in a solo occupancy room.
Please note that the prices quoted above are for the category of accommodation and hotel used for this particular tour. Depending on the hotel eventually confirmed there may be some difference in the rate advertised by the hotel, and the prices available through Undiscovered Destinations. It should be noted we will not apply a surcharge should more expensive accommodation be used. At the same time in the event that a lower rate is available for the confirmed hotel we are unable to offer a refund.
Travel to Romania by Train
We know that for many of our destinations flying cannot be avoided. But we believe that for some of our tours, taking the train is a practical, affordable and most of all a very enjoyable alternative. Even flying in just one direction will have a very positive benefit on the environment. To compare the emissions for your next trip take a look at this easy to use emissions calculator – https://uic.org/ecopassenger.
One-way fares from London to Bucharest or vice versa to join the Romania tailormade tour start at £170.
For a quote to travel from a European city other than London please contact us. We will advise you of the options, including routes and fares.
Contact us for further details about how we can help you plan the perfect environmentally friendly addition to your holiday. As well as train tickets, we can arrange stopovers along the way, including hotels and guided tours.
Combine Romania with Bulgaria and Moldova
Why not include Bulgaria and Moldova to your tour for a more in depth look at this fascinating and little visited part of Europe? We offer group and private tailormade tours in both countries. Please contact us for details.
Download PDF.
Download the full tour dossier for this trip here.
For expert advice get in touch now with our passionate,
well-travelled team.
+44(0) 191 296 2674 from THE UK
1-800-614-2967 from THE US & CANADA
1-300-956-415 from AUSTRALIA
Tour inclusions.
- Arrival and departure transfers
- All accommodation
- All transportation throughout with an English speaking driver/guide
- Meals as listed (B – Breakfast, L – Lunch, D – Dinner)
- Entrance fees for sites listed as part of the itinerary
Tour exclusions.
- International flights
- Any airport taxes
- Travel Insurance
- Items of personal nature
- Visas
- Drinks
- Tips (Discretionary)
Read more about our tours in Romania and our other European tours
Undiscovered Destinations
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